Mentally trusting his repaired knee is key for Marcus Lattimore

When South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore went down with a season-ending knee injury halfway through the 2011 slate, he knew it would be a hard road back.

But when you've never experienced a major injury like he did, it's impossible to know what really lies ahead.

"The limitations I had (was the hardest part of rehab)," Lattimore said. "I had to wait to run, wait to cut, wait to spin, wait to do certain things in the weight room. It was just real frustrating because I know I can do it, but I knew it was for my benefit if I just waited it out. It just feels great now."

Ten months after a freak accident that derailed a strong sophomore season that included 818 rushing yards and 11 total touchdowns through seven games, Lattimore's back on the field with his teammates.

Health doesn't seem to be an issue for the preseason All-SEC rusher.

Modern science is simply amazing.

USC coach Steve Spurrier remembered when he was a quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers, he was on the opposite sideline the day Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers tore several ligaments in a knee. He never fully recovered, and a second knee injury ended his career.

"The doctors obviously do super work," Spurrier said. "(Players) come back just as strong. It's just medical advancements and of course some doctors are probably better than others, and we have a super one right here in Columbia."

Lattimore's making all the moves and cuts of old. His speed may not have returned completely, but it'll come as he continues to get in shape and used to playing with a knee brace.

However, it's the mental aspect of returning from a traumatic injury that can't be overlooked.

"It's something that I'll remember forever," he said about that October day at Mississippi State.

Lattimore is a young man of faith and trust.

Those two elements will be put to the test on the field now more than ever.

The first time he hits a hole Aug. 30 at Vanderbilt and must initiate contact, will he hesitate at all?

When he gets in the open field, is there any chance he doesn't rely on a burst of speed?

And how can he not think about his knee when blocking, which is how the injury occurred?

Fear is not in Lattimore's vocabulary, but concern has to play in his mind. He is human.

Lattimore spoke to several players who have overcome or are in the process of getting over a major injury, including Arkansas running back Knile Davis, Florida linebacker Ron Powell and former New Orleans Saints Roman Harper.

"They just say the same thing everyone else says. It's a mind thing. After your nine months are over, you have to get in your mind that you'll be alright. It's all in your mind. You just have to stay strong, and it makes you stronger in the end. A year from now or two years from now you'll be a better player."

USC needs Lattimore to be good now. The Gamecocks have the expectations of a top-10 team contending for the country's premier conference championship.

There are several talented backs on this team, but Lattimore is the kind of game changer who doesn't come around often.

And this is his junior season. He'll be eligible to enter the NFL draft in April, should he decide to forgo his senior year.

That means a lot is riding on that knee - and how it affects his brain.

Lattimore said he won't change his running style - and USC's depth should keep him from having to carry the ball 30 times a game.

"We think he'll be fine," Spurrier said. "In practice there's no thinking about he has a knee that was just operated on. Our defense is pulling the ball out like all of them do right now. The other day we were watching the tape and two or three of them were waiting on Marcus, and he just lowered the pads and powered right through them."

Brad Senkiw can be reached at 864-260-1283 or by email at senkiwrb@independentmail.com.